Vietnam submarine officer recounts split-second decisions underwater

Thu, who serves with Submarine Brigade 189 of the Vietnam People’s Navy, was named one of the military’s 10 outstanding young faces of 2025.

After graduating from the Military Technical Academy in 2017, he was assigned to the navy’s Kilo 636-class submarine training center before joining Submarine Crew No. 7, where he works as a computational officer responsible for operating automated combat information and control systems.

The position involves calculating target movement parameters, monitoring distance and direction, and providing data to commanders to support maneuvering decisions and avoid potential collisions.

Thu said one of his most memorable moments came during his first mission at sea, when the Russian-made submarine detected a vessel approaching head-on while operating at periscope depth.

After the initial situation was managed, a second vessel appeared on the radar screen at higher speed, closing distance quickly and creating a more complex scenario, he said.

“In a very short time, I had to continuously track and update the target’s bearing and distance, and assess maneuvering options to ensure safety,” Thu said.

He proposed a course adjustment for the submarine to run parallel in the opposite direction of the second vessel before gradually increasing separation, a scheme that was adopted and carried out safely, he said.

Over nearly 1,000 hours underwater, Thu has also taken part in handling technical issues at sea, helping maintain the reliability of onboard systems and ensuring safe operations.

Alongside his operational duties, he has contributed to technical initiatives, including a project to develop an automated device for inspecting submarine hulls below the waterline, which was recognized by the Ministry of National Defense and also won an award.

Thu said the recognition he has received reflects the support of his unit and commanders, and serves as motivation for him to continue his work.